VNF Package On-boarding via Standardized VPAR Archives
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a formally agreed standard for Virtualized Network Function (VNF) descriptors (VNFD) makes the on-boarding of VNF packages inefficient in Network Function Virtualization (NFV) systems, as it requires manual intervention and special coding for processing and management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for on-boarding VNF packages using a predefined format, specifically a VNF Package Archive (VPAR) file that contains a VNFD file, allowing automated processing and deployment of VNFs without manual intervention, by uploading the VNFD file to a VNF catalog and deploying VNFs based on the contents of the uploaded file and associated image files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual intervention and special coding are used for processing VNF packages, then flexibility in handling non-standard formats is achieved, but processing efficiency and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the format parameter of VNF packages from non-standard/custom formats to a standardized format with predefined directory structures and file types. This standardization enables automated processing by removing the need for custom coding and manual intervention, directly resolving the contradiction between automation extent and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the VNF package into standardized components with specific directory structures (e.g., /vnfd directory, /images directory, /scripts directory). This segmentation allows the system to automatically identify and process different file types through predefined rules, eliminating the need for complex manual processing while maintaining organization and flexibility
2Productivity
If no formally agreed standard is used for VNFD, then adaptability to different formats is maintained, but on-boarding efficiency and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal standardized format that can handle multiple VNF package types and configurations through a common directory structure and file format specification. This universal standard enables consistent automated processing across different scenarios while maintaining the ability to accommodate various VNF implementations, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from format flexibility to format standardization with predefined parameters and structures, the system achieves consistent automated processing. The standardized format specifies exact directory names, file types, and structures, which improves on-boarding efficiency while the standardized nature itself provides a form of controlled adaptability through consistent handling rules
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter describes herein a method for on-boarding virtualized network function (VNF) packages in a network functions virtualization (NFV) system that includes receiving a VNF package archive (VPAR) file containing a VNF package and accessing a VNF descriptor (VNFD) file in a VNFD directory contained within the VPAR file. The method further includes uploading the VNFD file from the VNFD directory to a VNF catalog in the NFV system and deploying, in a virtual environment associated with the NFV system, one or more VNFs in accordance to the contents of the uploaded VNFD file and an associated VNF image file.